Goodwill Industries of Michiana’s mission is to empower people to achieve their most abundant life. Frequently partnering with area businesses, they’ve worked for decades in our community to address the trends of unemployment, low educational attainment, widespread poverty, and high rates of recidivism through free high-quality job training, adult education, and maternal healthcare programs.
The Goodwill Industries of Michiana (GIM) automotive program is an eight-week course that meets 20 hours a week with a goal of preparing individuals with no automotive industry experience for jobs with dealerships, car lots, lube shops, and more. Designed and executed in partnership with local employers including Gurley Leep, Zolman Tire, and Gates Toyota, the program gives attendees the opportunity to earn money while working towards the ultimate goal of job placement within the local industry.
The popularity of the program resulted in enrollment waitlists and the need to expand automotive classroom space. GIM submitted a grand request to the Foundation designed to equip the space through the purchase of additional automotive lifts, tire balancers and changers, and a brake lathe. The Foundation, a longtime supporter of economic development initiatives, approved their request.
